Fujifilm X-T5 vs Sony A7 II: A Hands-On Expert Comparison for Photographers on the Hunt

As someone who has tested hundreds of mirrorless cameras over the last 15 years - from rugged field shooters to slick studio workhorses - I often get asked: Should I invest in a Fujifilm or a Sony? Today, we’re putting two fairly different beasts head-to-head: the Fujifilm X-T5, a 2022 APS-C advanced mirrorless camera, and the Sony A7 II, Sony’s 2014 full-frame pioneer. Both have their fans, but their hardware and tech speak to different user needs and timeframes.

I’ll break down their specs, real-world shooting experience, and value to help you decide which camera deserves a spot in your bag.

First Impressions: Size, Build, and Handling

Let’s kick off with a tactile comparison. Handling a camera and feeling how it fits in your hands often matters more than just pixels on a page.

The Fujifilm X-T5 is a bit more compact but sports a slightly chunkier grip compared to the Sony A7 II. The Fuji weighs in at 557g, making it lighter than the Sony’s 599g, despite its thicker dimensions (130x91x64mm vs. Sony’s 127x96x60mm). If you’re someone who likes a solid grip that won’t slip out during a long hiking trek, I found the Fuji’s clubs-for-thumbs grip more reassuring, especially with larger Fuji X lenses.

The Sony A7 II has a slightly more understated design, with a smoother grip and fewer pronounced bumps. It’s a little narrower and slimmer, which benefits packing in tight travel situations but sacrifices some ergonomic comfort for big hands.

Build quality-wise, both cameras sport weather sealing to withstand dust and light moisture. However, neither is shockproof or freezeproof. The Fuji’s body carries Fuji’s classic tactile dial controls - a boon if you love shooting in manual or prioritize quick access to shutter speed, ISO, and exposure compensation without diving into menus.

Sony leans more towards a modern minimalistic design, offering fewer direct dials but menus rich in customization and touchscreen input (more on that later).

If you often shoot handheld for extended periods, the Fuji’s more deliberate clubby grip and dedicated dials offer better ergonomics. The Sony’s combo might appeal more to those who prefer a sleeker body or are heavily invested in Sony lenses.

Sensor, Resolution, and Image Quality: APS-C Sharpness vs. Full-frame Depth

Here’s where the real tech meat is. Many photographers join the debate “APS-C or Full-frame?” and the answer is seldom straightforward.

The Fuji X-T5’s 40-megapixel back-illuminated (BSI) CMOS sensor is the new kid on the block - high-res, designed to optimize detail, low noise, and dynamic range on an APS-C sensor (23.5x15.6mm physical size). That’s a sensor area of 366.6 mm², packing in far more pixels (7728x5152 max resolution) than the Sony’s 24-MP full-frame (35.8x23.9mm, 855.6 mm²).

What does this mean in practice? The Fuji’s sensor is state-of-the-art, pushing APS-C beyond what we saw just a few years ago. Images are pin-sharp with excellent microdetail, especially when paired with Fujifilm’s excellent Native lenses. Plus, no anti-aliasing filter means razor-edge detail at the risk of a tiny bit of moiré in some situations.

The Sony’s 2014 full-frame sensor is older but still delivers beautiful full-frame depth and better subject separation due to the physically larger sensor. Its images offer richer color gradation and naturally better noise control in low light compared to typical APS-C sensors from that era.

That said, the Fuji pushes its native ISO range adaptively (125–12800 native, expandable to 64–51200), combining resolution with surprisingly effective noise suppression. The Sony is native ISO 100–25600, expandable to 50, but in real low-light shooting, the Fuji’s newer tech will tend to pull ahead despite its smaller sensor.

Of course, the full-frame advantage means the Sony can wield lenses with wider apertures and shallower depth-of-field more naturally, producing creamier bokeh without cropping or resolution compromise.

LCDs, Viewfinders, and Focus Systems: Modernity vs. Legacy

Next, let’s zoom in on your window to the world - the displays and autofocus.

The Fuji X-T5 sports a 3" tilting touchscreen at 1.84M dots. This gives you smooth touch autofocus and very convenient menu navigation. Being able to finger-tap your focus point rapidly is a lifesaver when shooting street scenes or portraits. Unfortunately, no selfie mode here, but that’s par for the course in advanced photographer-oriented bodies.

Sony’s A7 II also rocks a 3" tilting LCD but with a lower 1.23M-dot resolution and no touchscreen. That means more menu button navigation or joystick focus point adjustments, which can feel clunkier in today’s touchscreen-friendly world.

When it comes to EVFs, the Fuji wins with a 3.69M-dot viewfinder (0.8x magnification), providing a super crisp, immersive look. The Sony’s older EVF only offers 2.36M dots and 0.71x magnification, which feels noticeably dated and less sharp, especially when you’re focusing in dim lighting.

And autofocus? This is where Fujifilm has brought some serious firepower:

• Fuji X-T5 features a 425-point hybrid AF system with phase and contrast detection, covering most of the frame, paired with face, eye, and even animal eye-detection autofocus.
• Sony’s A7 II harvests 117 AF points with phase detection across a narrower area and only basic face detection. It lacks eye or animal eye AF, which is a real miss for portrait and wildlife shooters.

The X-T5’s autofocus is simply faster, more reliable, and more flexible for moving subjects and video. Sony’s system was groundbreaking in 2014 but aging fast in 2024. For sports, wildlife, or wedding/event shooters who need dependable focus, Fuji’s newer system is a clear advantage.

Shooting Speed, Shutter Performance, and Buffer

Let’s talk action, shall we?

The Fuji X-T5 delivers a continuous shooting speed of 15 fps mechanical shutter (13 fps electronic shutter), which is seriously fast, even compared to many newer prosumer cameras. You can smash the shutter and expect reliably sharp shots of action scenes or wildlife without missing a beat.

The Sony A7 II caps out at just 5 fps continuous shooting, which feels sluggish these days if you photograph sports or fast-moving subjects. Its buffer also fills up more quickly at full-res RAW files.

Add to this the Fuji’s crazy 1/180,000-second max electronic shutter speed, giving you incredible freedom to shoot wide apertures in bright daylight without ND gels. Sony maxes out at 1/8000s mechanical shutter only, lacking an electronic shutter for silent or extremely fast bursts.

For photographers chasing dynamos like birds in flight, kids on the soccer field, or decisive moments on the street, the Fuji provides significantly more horsepower.

Video Capabilities: 6K vs 1080p – A Generation Apart

If video is part of your toolset, this might sway your choice.

The Fujifilm X-T5 offers impressive 6K video capture at up to 30p, or impressive 4K up to 60p, utilizing modern codecs like H.265 for efficient compression without sacrificing quality. It includes microphone and headphone jacks for pro monitoring and supports advanced image stabilization.

In contrast, the Sony A7 II’s video maxes out at 1080p Full HD with 60p. No 4K here due to the older sensor and processor, which makes it unappealing for serious videographers. It has mic and headphone jacks, but older codecs like AVCHD limit postproduction flexibility and image quality.

Bottom line: if you want hybrid stills and high-quality 4K/6K video, Fuji’s X-T5 is the far superior choice. The A7 II is strictly stills-focused.

Lens Ecosystems and Compatibility: Fuji X Mount vs Sony E Mount

Lens selection is where things get interesting because it impacts the long-term usability of your system.

Sony’s E-mount - used in the A7 II - boasts a massive ecosystem with over 121 lenses available from Sony itself and countless third-party brands (Sigma, Tamron, Zeiss, Samyang, and more). You can get almost any focal length or specialty lens, including cheap beginners’ options all the way to pro-grade glass. Plus, full-frame native lenses ensure you get the most from the sensor size.

Fujifilm’s X mount supports around 82 lenses, predominantly APS-C glass designed specifically for Fuji sensors. Still, Fuji lenses have a reputation for spectacular image quality, excellent build, and size-compatible options. They tend to be smaller and lighter than full-frame lenses, which complements the compact body well. Additionally, third parties like Viltrox and Zeiss offer some interesting and affordable options.

A caveat: if you plan to use adapted lenses or want to future-proof towards full-frame, Sony’s mount offers more versatility. But for APS-C devotees or Fuji fans seeking high-quality glass at moderate sizes, the X mount is compelling.

Battery Life and Storage: Ready for the Long Haul?

Shooting all day demands dependable power and storage.

Fujifilm’s NP-W235 battery gives about 580 shots per charge - impressive for an advanced mirrorless. It also supports USB charging and dual SD card slots with UHS-II speeds, making it great for overflow recording or backups.

Sony’s older NP-FW50 battery delivers roughly 350 shots per charge, considerably less, and only has a single card slot that supports both SD and Sony’s older Memory Stick formats. USB charging is absent.

For travel photographers and event shooters who can’t afford sudden failures or frequent battery swaps, Fuji’s better endurance and twin slots provide peace of mind.

Connectivity, Weather-Sealing, and Extras

Both cameras offer built-in Wi-Fi, but Fuji X-T5 adds Bluetooth for fast pairing and remote control. The Sony A7 II has NFC but lacks Bluetooth, which feels dated.

Both bodies include mic and headphone ports, full-size HDMI, and physical exposure dials. Neither has GPS.

On sealing, both are rated for dust and splash resistance, but neither is fully weatherproof or shockproof - so use with care in brutal conditions.

Real-World Photography Disciplines: Who Shines Where?

Let’s talk about how these specs translate into your everyday shooting genres.

Fujifilm X T5 front Fujifilm X T5 screen back Sony A7 II front Sony A7 II screen back

Scoring It All Together: Performance Meter

Time to sum up the above with numerical insight.

By modern standards, the Fuji scores notably higher across:

• Autofocus speed and accuracy
• Image resolution and dynamic range
• Video capabilities
• Battery life

Sony retains some ground in full-frame depth and color rendition, but as a 2014 design, it falls behind in innovation and usability for today’s photographers.

Pros and Cons Roundup

Fujifilm X-T5

Pros:

• 40MP APS-C sensor with excellent image quality
• Fast 15fps continuous shooting
• 425 AF points with animal and eye detection
• Bright, high-res EVF and touchscreen LCD
• 6K and 4K video recording option
• Dual UHS-II SD slots and strong battery life
• Weather-sealed, compact, and ergonomic with classic dials

Cons:

• APS-C sensor may limit ultimate shallow DOF effect
• No fully articulated or selfie-friendly screen
• No built-in flash

Sony A7 II

Pros:

• Full-frame 24MP sensor for natural bokeh & depth
• Solid build with weather sealing
• Wide E-mount lens ecosystem
• Lightweight and slim body
• Mic and headphone jacks for audio monitoring

Cons:

• Aging autofocus with only 117 points, no animal eye AF
• Slow 5fps burst rate
• Older EVF and non-touchscreen LCD
• No 4K video support
• Single card slot and lower battery life

Who Should Buy Which Camera?

Choose the Fujifilm X-T5 if…

You want the latest APS-C tech that punches well above its weight in resolution, speed, AF performance, and video. It’s perfect for landscape shooters craving detail, portrait photographers needing killer eye AF, wildlife/snipers chasing action, and hybrid shooters balancing video and stills. Fuji’s compact size, battery life, and dual cards make it a great travel/work camera. The tactile dials will delight manual controls enthusiasts. The X-T5 represents excellent bang for your buck in 2024.

Consider the Sony A7 II if…

Budget is tight and you’re after a full-frame experience without going all-in on pricey mirrorless tech. If you already own or prefer Sony lenses, or you shoot mainly stills and prioritize shallow depth-of-field effects, it’s still a solid choice. It excels in traditional portraiture and travel where the sensor size matters most. Just temper expectations on speed, video, and AF agility, which lag behind today’s standards.

Final Verdict: Aging Chrome vs. New Tech With Flair

Both the Fujifilm X-T5 and Sony A7 II carry their own legacy - but the gap between 2014 and 2022 is a canyon wide.

The Fuji X-T5 is a versatile, modern powerhouse suited to enthusiasts and professionals who want an agile, high-resolution APS-C mirrorless camera built for present-day demands. It’s a joy to shoot, with razor-precise AF, stunning EVF, and pro-grade video.

The Sony A7 II, while groundbreaking in its day, now feels like a museum piece with slower performance and dated video. It still packs a full-frame punch that some photographers swear by, but it’s best suited for those on a budget or deeply entrenched in Sony glass.

In my hands-on experience, the Fuji wins hands down for usability, speed, and future-proofing. For anyone serious about photography or content creation today, I’d personally invest in the X-T5 and reap benefits across all shooting scenarios.

If you’re still wavering, consider these real-world tips:

• If you value deep background blur and own a suite of Sony full-frame glass, lean towards the A7 II.
• If you want more FPS, faster and wiser autofocus, higher video specs, and a charming retro body, the Fuji pays dividends over time.
• For hybrid shooters that shoot lots of video and photos, the X-T5 is a no-brainer.
• Budget-conscious but want full-frame? Look carefully at used or newer Sony models beyond the A7 II, or consider Fuji’s XT-line for APS-C brilliance.

Choosing a camera for your craft means balancing tech specs with gut feel, lens choices, and long-term goals. Whichever way you lean, understanding these tradeoffs is essential. Hopefully, this comparison has shed light on two influential cameras - you can now pick your partner-in-crime with confidence.

Happy shooting!